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Cultural Diversity - Demography and Statistics (4)

Acculturation

People migrate from one environment to another. When there are distinct differences between the culture from which they arrive to the one in which they settle, individuals give up some of the traits of the culture they left behind, and adopt the traits of the dominant culture in which they now live. The degree to which this happens is termed acculturation. Contact with another culture makes people reassess their orientation and beliefs and values. The presence and direct contact with people from a different culture also impacts on the dominant host culture. Thus, it is possible that over time, a high or low degree of acculturation may occur. Assimilation is a phase of acculturation and occurs when the values, beliefs and lifestyles of the prevailing culture are adopted.